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Read. Follow. Verify.New Jersey Bill Authorizes State Legislators to Perform Marriages and Civil Unions
Last action · January 13, 2026: Introduced, Referred to Assembly Judiciary CommitteeSponsors: Paul Kanitra and 1 other
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What This Bill Would Do
Current members of the New Jersey State Legislature are newly authorized to marriages and civil unions while holding office, under legislation introduced in the General Assembly.
Expands the pool of officials legally permitted to officiate weddings and civil unions in New Jersey to include all sitting state legislators.
Who It Would Affect
Groups the bill's text would affect if enacted, as described in the record. Being affected is not a position for or against it.
members of the New Jersey State Legislature
Current legislators gain the legal authority to solemnize marriages and civil unions while holding office.
Key Facts
- Current members of the New Jersey State Legislature are authorized to solemnize marriages and civil unions while holding office.
- The legislation amends R.S.37:1-13 to include state legislators alongside judges, mayors, and religious officials who may officiate ceremonies.
- Civil celebrants must be certified by the Secretary of State, pay a fee between $50 and $75, and complete a qualified training course to solemnize marriages.
- The act takes effect immediately upon enactment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is newly authorized to solemnize marriages under this bill?
When does the legislation take effect?
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News Coverage
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Votes, people, money & the original sourceWhere This Stands
Currently in committee. The next step in the legislative lifecycle is Floor Vote.
Procedural history
1 action- Jan 13, 2026HouseIntroducedIntroduced, Referred to Assembly Judiciary Committee
Version history
Only one version on file - nothing to compare yet. As later stages (committee substitute, engrossed, enrolled) are captured, the redline appears here.
View official text →Lobbying Activity
No state lobbying filings in our records match this bill. Federal lobbying reports (LDA) cover Congress, so they are not listed on state bills.
Full breakdown
Who this bill affects and the strongest case for and against it, written only from the bill’s own text.
Sponsors
Connected Entities
Sources
njleg.state.nj.us
Analysis Score
0–100- Significance25How much this matters to a regular citizen
- Controversy5Intensity of disagreement among stakeholders
- Entertainment2Compellingness for a non-policy-wonk reader
- Buzz10Current news / social attention level
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